Painting FAQ
Frequently asked questions
If you’re embarking on a painting project, you’ve likely got many questions that you need answered. When you partner with a top-notch painting contractor like Painters Inc., you have all your questions answered. With our extensive experience painting all types of commercial properties, we have amassed the knowledge that is critical to a successful painting project.
Below are answers to the most common questions we get from our customers. If you have more specific questions, feel free to give us a call.
Commercial painting FAQ:
Questions about paints
In commercial buildings that see a lot of traffic, higher gloss paints are often the best choice, as they stand up to frequent cleaning better than matte finishes. While the higher gloss is more reflective and can reveal surface imperfections, the finish acts as a sealer, which is a protective quality that is perfect for high-traffic areas. For a less reflective and “quieter” finish, flat and matte finishes are the preferred choices. See the descriptions of the following to get a better idea of what will work in your facility:
- For corner offices and other areas that get very little traffic, flat and matte finishes are a good fit, but keep in mind that they don’t offer a lot of durability, which means they won’t hold up to frequent cleaning.
- If you’re looking for something in between the flat matte finish and the glossy finish, go with eggshell. Painting contractors use this finish in areas that are lightly traveled, such as conference rooms. It offers just enough reflectivity to bring some lightness to a room without overdoing it.
- If a high-gloss finish is just a little too much, satin finishes will probably suit your preferences. For example, in areas that receive little natural light, satin finishes offer just enough reflectivity to bring some lightness to a room.
- If your project involves high traffic areas, such as a cafeteria or a hallway that serves as a main corridor, you’ll need a more durable solution, such as semi-gloss and high-gloss paints.
If you have questions about finishes for your project, Painters Inc. is here to help. We have all the answers to your queries about the best paints to use in your commercial building.
The most respected brands in the paint manufacturing space are Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams. These companies thoroughly research their ingredients, undergo rigorous trials and only unveil a product after it has been tested and proven worthy of release. While these brands are more expensive, the look of the finished product is unmatched and the paint holds up for years and years, providing more value than “budget-friendly” paint brands.
While contractors might have more loyalty to one brand over another, the simple fact of the matter is that both of these brands offer superior quality paint that lasts a long, long time. Sometimes the only reason a contractor will choose one over the other is when they can take advantage of sales and pass the savings on to the customer. Another reason they will choose a brand is when a customer’s color preference is better matched with one brand than the other.
While a painting project’s budget can be seemingly positively impacted by choosing a budget brand of paint, the long-term effects of that decision end up costing more. The reason is that Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore create their paints with premium ingredients that make the paint look better and last longer than budget paints. Choosing these brands brings value to any project, interior or exterior, which is why painting contractors that have a reputation for excellence will choose these premium brands.
Interior paints are made with fewer VOCs, which means they don’t fill rooms with fumes. This is particularly important in healthcare facilities or in areas that are in use while the painting project is happening. Exterior paints are often made with ingredients that will help them withstand the elements, from frequent and heavy rain to harsh sunlight, which can fade the color of the paint if it’s not made with protective qualities.
The most important quality of ceiling paint is that it is made so it will not drip. Lesser quality paints are easily identified on ceilings, as there will be obvious imperfections in the application of it. Furthermore, ceiling paint is almost always non-reflective, which means a flat or matte finish is the most popular choice. Ceilings often have surface irregularities and the flat or matte finish helps to hide these.
Painting contractors will choose floor paint based on the floor material. For example, on concrete floors, they will use latex-based paint, which is known for its grippy quality that prevents falls. When the floor is made of wood, oil-based paints are a preferred option. Another popular paint on floors of many types is epoxy-based paint. Keep in mind that oil-based paints, which hold up well to foot traffic, are almost always in the higher VOC category, which means the area needs to be well-ventilated during application and curing.
When durability is of the utmost importance for the interiors, nothing beats paint with a high-gloss finish. However, exterior paints are made with added ingredients that allow it to stand up to the harshest environments, including protection from mildew and mold. Exterior paints that offer the best protection come in satin and gloss finishes.
There are so many options in paint colors today that it’s fair to say that whatever preferences a client has, Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore can offer it in just about any finish required. Most colors are chosen to match the use of the room. For example, most offices are painted in shades of light blue and gray, as these are the most preferable tones for productivity in that type of workplace. There is actually a psychological impact regarding colors in commercial spaces, so work with your contractor to ensure the tones you choose will be a good fit for your employees, visitors and customers.
Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams make low- and zero-VOC paints, which are considered the safest paints to use in enclosed environments. These are paints that are non-toxic, meaning they have no side effects when breathed in, either while still wet or long after drying. Many commercial spaces have an eco-friendly approach, and low- and zero-VOC paints offer a way to stay with that eco-friendly mindset.
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, can cause a variety of health problems to people exposed to them, which is why paint manufacturers are so focused on offering paint in the low- to no-VOC varieties. Low VOC paints simply have a reduced VOC content load, meaning they are safer than those made with higher loads of VOCs. Given the fact that there is no set standard for what “low” means, the label is somewhat ambiguous. Also, when a paint is labeled as “no VOC,” that doesn’t mean they are devoid of harmful components. You might also encounter paint labels that say “zero VOC,” which is the same as “no VOC” paint.
Again, just because it is labeled as “zero,” that doesn’t mean it is completely lacking in any harmful components, they are just in a much safer range than high-VOC paints.
As consumers are often warned, just because you’re paying top dollar doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the best product. However, in the case of paint that looks amazing and lasts a long, long time, there is a good chance it has more ingredients in it that are intended to improve its durability and aesthetics. These added ingredients make the paint more expensive. Keep in mind that aside from the fact that it is more expensive than budget brand paint, it has more value because it lasts longer and can actually save you money in the long run.
Questions about our painting services
At Painters Inc., we provide a variety of services to our commercial clients that range from office painting to high-rise painting services, parking garage to restaurant and hotel painting services. Whether you’re in charge of a painting project at a bank or a school, church or retail store, we can help you get the job finished on time and on budget. From cleaning and prepping the surfaces to applying coats of the best quality paints on the market, we do it all for our commercial clients.
To avoid disruption to your business operations, we’re able to work after work hours, nights and weekends. If the building being painted is a business office, we can cordon off sections one at a time and do the project in phases to minimize disruption while your employees carry on with daily tasks.
At Painters Inc, our team is responsible for cleaning up any and all messes during the painting project and after the job is completed. Part of our spotless reputation comes from the fact that we are detail oriented, which includes during the end of the project when we leave the space free of debris.
The overall cost of a project is determined by a variety of factors. The expense is almost always determined by the size of the project and type of space being painted, as well as the quality of the paint being used. For example, if a homeowner requests premium paint on their residential project, it can exceed the overall cost of a commercial job where less expensive paint is used. Regardless of the job being commercial or residential, if the space is complex and there are many challenges to overcome, that will be reflected in the higher labor costs.
At Painters Inc., we have established a seamless process in our approach to painting. From the initial conversation about the project to the final cleanup, the following is how we handle the typical job:
- Initial phone conversation – Our first contact with a client is almost always about defining what the project is, as well as the size of it. Once we establish what the customer needs, we’ll schedule a meeting.
- Initial meeting – The initial meeting involves a walkthrough of the spaces that are to be painted. We’ll make a determination of the quality of the surfaces that will be painted and establish what type of prep work is required, such as patching, sanding and repairing various areas. We’ll also take photos and get exact measurements of the spaces.
- A proposal is presented – With all the measurements taken, we can get an accurate determination of the time it will take to complete the project, as well as the amount of materials that will be needed. These details will be presented in a proposal, which the client signs and enters into a contract with us.
- Preparation for painting – Prep work is exceedingly important, as the surfaces must be clean and smooth and ready to receive paint. Paint only adheres to dry and clean surfaces, which is why this is such an important step in the overall project.
- Painting – After the surfaces have been prepped, obstacles either removed or covered for protection, our painting crew will begin the painting process. While some paints only require a single coat, most surfaces will receive two coats and our crew will ensure even the smallest details are accounted for, from walls to ceilings to trim.
- Close out – When we close a project, we walk our client through each workspace to ensure they’re happy with the work. The end of a project also involves removing all evidence that we were ever there, leaving the space free of clutter and trash.
Smaller and easier jobs can be completed quite fast. While the larger commercial projects can take an entire week, Painters Inc. also takes on jobs that only take a day from start to finish. If your project is small, Painters Inc. will charge a flat rate of $520 for 8 hours of quality work. This does not include the cost of paint, which varies per project. Our painters will arrive with all the supplies they require and get your project knocked out in short order.
One of our popular services is called Painter for a Day. This is for projects that can be completed in 8 hours or less. We charge a flat rate of $520 for this service, but the cost of the materials, including paint, is not covered in that fee. These types of projects usually involve giving a room fresh colors, revitalizing faded walls, painting baseboards, doors and trim, pressure washing exteriors for a clean look and refreshing high-traffic areas with new paint. If you want to shake up the aesthetic of your space, we can do that by providing accent wall painting services. This pricing is for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon-Fri only.
For exterior projects where pressure washing is required, we’ll take care of that first and then we will protect areas of your property that should not get paint on them. For example, we’ll use plastic sheeting on larger items as well as mask your windows and doors so they are protected. We use either drop cloths or plastic to cover your landscaping, walkways and brickwork. We’ll also ensure that your floors are protected, as well as furniture and fixtures.
Our customers appreciate our complimentary color consulting, as this is an area that can be quite difficult for many of our clients to manage on their own. There are so many colors from which to choose, which means selecting the right combinations can be intimidating. From interior to exterior colors, we know what will work in your spaces.
One of the first signs that you’ve partnered with the wrong painting contractor is that they fail to do the proper prep work before painting. This is an area where corners are often cut by painters with little experience or with those that want to get a job completed too fast.
Another area where corners get cut is in how bad painters will paint in any condition, which means too wet or too dry, too hot or too cold. Conditions need to be within specific parameters if the job is going to be completed correctly.
Choosing the wrong paints will also be the hallmark of a bad painting contractor. They’ll often choose inferior paint products or use the wrong finishes, such as using a matte finish in a high-traffic area that needs a glossy finish.
Poor painting technique, such as applying paint with streaks, drips and runs, will also be a clear indicator that the painter doesn’t know what they’re doing. And finally, a bad paint job is often one where the painter leaves the work area a total mess.
The obvious difference between residential and commercial painting is that residential painting involves interior and exterior work on homes, whereas commercial painting involves interior and exterior work on businesses. The biggest difference is that commercial painting is often more complex and larger scale than residential painting.
And while it takes a highly skilled painter to tackle a residential job and turn out stunning results, commercial painting crews are often tasked with more complexities, such as knowing how to paint equipment including everything from water and gas pipes to tanks to electronic equipment and machinery. Commercial painters must also know how to work with general contractors and project managers, as well as facility managers and owners.
Commercial painting jobs often require a larger crew of painters, as the sheer volume of space that needs to be painted requires more labor. Also, commercial painters must have top-notch cleaning skills and equipment, especially if they’re tasked with cleaning industrial areas before applying paint.
And while residential painters need to book their jobs to fit the schedule of the homeowner, commercial painters often have to work around production schedules so there is no downtime. This means working in phases or working during nights, weekends or scheduled down time.
Learn more about differences between residential, commercial & industrial painting
At Painters Inc., we know from experience why customers choose a contractor. A variety of qualifications are considered in this choice, including experience, certifications, insurance, leadership, safety and expertise, to name a few.
We’ve assisted commercial clients for many years, which gives us the knowledge base required to handle any type of project, small or large, easy or complex. Our recommendation is to read through the a comprehensive guide aimed at helping you bring the right crew of professional painters in to make your painting project a resounding success.
Questions about Painters Inc.
At Painters Inc., we know experience is everything to our valued customers. Our company was founded in 2005, giving us nearly two decades of experience assisting all types of clients. We’ve been around long enough to know how to exceed our customers’ expectations.
At Painters Inc., we have all the licensing and insurance coverage required to handle your commercial painting project.
Despite the fact that Painters Inc. has enjoyed a reputation for safety for years and years, we know the importance of carrying insurance. We have general liability and workman’s compensation insurance that our clients really appreciate us carrying.
Furthermore, we’re OSHA certified, EPA lead-safe certified, aerial lift certified and we have our swing stage certification.
We have adopted a safety-first work ethic at Painters Inc. While we’re focused on finishing all of our projects on time, we never side-step a safety issue. In fact, all of our painters go through a training program to ensure they’re all safety certified. Everyone is required to wear the necessary personal protection equipment that keeps everything from their ears to their eyes to their lungs safe.
We follow all the rules and regulations regarding ladders, scaffolding and life trucks. There are always safety risks with this type of work, which is why we have an ongoing safety education strategy.
Yes! Please visit our photo gallery to see examples of our completed interior and exterior painting projects. At Painters Inc., we are proud of the work we do and often take photographs of our completed projects that we share with prospective customers. We can talk about how we exceed customer expectations until we’re blue in the face, so just check out the photos of what we have done for others and see for yourself.
We have plenty of reviews for our prospective customers to reference. We understand the power of customer reviews, because consumers today find this type of information extremely valuable, and we’re fortunate to have customers who are willing to talk about their experience with Painters Inc.
No, all painters are our full-time employees. A painting contractor is only as good as the team behind it. We only hire painters who have years of experience and have proven themselves as trustworthy individuals who respect the jobsite when they are on it, take safety extremely seriously and are completely customer-focused.
Painters Inc. has a full-time foreman on duty at all times, always checking on the status of the work and often providing updates to the customer. We go the extra mile by hiring a project manager who makes frequent visits to our various job sites, ensuring that everything is on track and that the customer is happy. Finally, the top management at Painters Inc. are doing more than just office work – they get their hands dirty, too, are frequently on the job sites and make themselves available to customers.
Painters Inc. offers warranties on labor and material for a period of one, three and five years. Should any paint that we apply fail to adhere properly, we will supply the labor and materials to correct the problem with no cost to our customer. Furthermore, all floor surfaces, including exterior/interior, are covered under a one-year warranty from the time of completion. For metal, wood surfaces and railings, we offer a warranty of up to 3 years.
Getting an estimate through Painters Inc. is easy. Click here for the contact form or call us at (630) 214-9562.
There is no charge for an estimate with Painters Inc. Part of our commitment to being customer-centric is to offer as many amenities as possible, which is why our estimates will never include a fee/charge.
We’re focused on being completely transparent, which means our customers are never surprised by a hidden fee. Everything we do is out in the open and accounted for, including preparation work, which is factored into the labor costs associated with any painting job.
Yes, we require our customers to pay an upfront deposit of 30 percent of the total project cost. Look around and you’ll see this is well within the industry standard for painting work.
Keeping with our reputation for offering as many conveniences as possible, we also offer a variety of ways to pay for services. We accept payment in the form of checks, ACH transfers, wire transfers or credit cards.